The Mail-Journal, Volume 27, Number 1, Milford, Kosciusko County, 17 February 1988 — Page 6

THE MAIL-JOURNAL —Wed., February 17,1988

Community corner

January 10 blaze was first test for Jim Amsden, Milford's Fire Chief

1 By NEVIN DULABAUM Staff Writer They receive only $225 a year for a “clothing” allowance, which is intended not for new clothes, but for replacing those ruined in the line of duty. They spend anywhere from 0 to 15 hours a week — ready to drop whatever they are doing in an instant — risking their lives to aid, friends, relatives, acquaintances, and fellow citizens throughout the community. They are 23 men strong. They are Milford’s volunteer firemen. And, on January 1, Jim Amsden became their chief. Max Duncan had served as fire chief for eight years, but decided last year not to run for re-election as chief. Amsden was nominated for the position of chief by a committee of firemen, and Duncan was nominated as assistant chief. Both men were elected. Amsden, who works for Duncan at Duncan’s Motor Service in Milford, was a logical choice for the job of chief firefighter, as he had served as assistant fire chief under Duncan for six years. Profile The ascension to fire chief went smoothly for Amsden, partly because he was already familiar with the responsibilities, but mostly because of the volunteers who work for the department. “The guys have been a lot of help,” he said. “I think that has made a difference. As a whole, they get along good, which makes everything easier for us. As fire chief, Amsden’s responsibilities are: to make sure all of the firefighting equipment is in proper working condition, to make sure his crew is knowledgeable with the latest state requirements, to inspect each business and industry yearly, and to coordinate the firemen while on a call. Amsden’Syfirst test came shortly after he became fire chief: the Evans Family Store fire on January 10. Amsden was one of the first two firefighters at the scene. “It was hectic at first. We wanted to get

Puttman nominated as president of Wednesday Club

The Wednesday Afternoon Club members unanimously accepted the 1988-1989 slate of officers at the February 10 meeting. The slate was submitted by the nominating-committee and are as follows: President — Roberta Puttman • Vice president — Dot Hite Secretary-treasurer — Joan Sharp Publicity-historian — Alice Stafanski

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Program chairwoman — Arlene Sloan. The program for the afternoon was a book review by Jan Baumgartner on the autobiography of Betty White, entitled “Betty White In Person.** Mrs. Baumgartner stated the television personality and ardent animal lover, Betty White has enjoyed a long and successful career in the entertainment world, specifically TV game

COMMITTED TO SERVING MILFORD — Being fire chief is hands on responsibility, says Milford resident Jim Amsden. “Even though I’m chief, I still need to pitch in where help is needed.” (Photo by Nevin Dulabaum) J set up so we could protect everything else. ’ ’ At the scene of a fire, Amsden acts as the site department’s field marshal. The firefighters always try to have a plan when combatting a blaze, and it is the fire chief’s responsibility to organize all of the men.

shows, “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” and current series “The Golden Girls.” Through the book, according to Mrs. Baumgartner, it’s possible to meet the real Betty White in a very personal way. She tells, in her very warm candid, witty and humorous manner, about the people closest to her, Allen Ladden,

XX |||» as»gwg MsISF V |E I E i 111 mbWQiw W K■ K lai IK SH Wk■ H £ S BB BB H H| aS ||fe iJE,'x' i■l I 4 ---< < EXPLAINS OPERA — The Syracuse-Wawasee Rotary Club was entertained by Father David Hyndman when the club held its meeting recently. Father Hyndman gave an explanation of Grand Opera, complete with musical recitatives of some of the themes. (Photo by Lewis Immel) Miller’s Home Care “QUICK CHECK” CHOLESTEROL TESTS Qualified Personnel From Miller’s Home Service Will Test The Following For $5 Per Test: Cholesterol, Glucose, Hemoglobin, Triglycerides 9 A.M. - 2 P.M. Syracuse Ho. Webster Nappanee Thursday Friday Monday Feb. 18 Feb. 19 Feb. 22 FOR MOREINFORMATION CALL: Pharmacists Pharmacists Pharmacists Wilma Or Mike Gene Or Bob Deborah Or Bob 457-3119 834-4131 773-4311

her parents, people (past and present) with whom she has worked, friends and super friends. Mrs. Baumgartner noted the author’s wit and wisdom, her observations and intuitions are presented. She looks forward and back, showing all that she sees: has learned to take all that life can give and has found the best in

Amsden added that even though he is the leader, he follows his own orders as well. “Just because I’m chief doesn’t mean I do not fight fires. I still need to pitch in where the help is needed.” Amsden’s interest in firefighting began in the mid-19705. He was first introduced to the department by Bill Martin, a co-worker and firefighter, and then again by Duncan. Amsden said that he used to tag along with the department on calls, and then began attending some of their functions. His interest continued to grow until, one day in 1976, he decided to join. After six years on the job he was elected to the position of assistant fire chief, which he held until the start of 1988. To Amsden, firefighting is a personal challenge, as he and his crew never know what do expect when the fire alarm sounds. More importantly, he has a sense of civic responsibility, as he wants to help protect the community. “It’s rough (fighting fires),” said Amsden. “You try to do the best you can to make people feel good and save as much of their possessions as possible.” The community has also been very good to the fire department. According to the fire chief, most communities the size of Milford do not have as much firefighting equipment as Milford does. “I think we’re equipped real good for a town this size..” The fire department owns two pumpers, one tanker, one pickup truck which contains the Amkus Rescue System, and one supply van. Most importantly to Amsden, though, is the fact that the people of Milford want the department to have modernized gear so that the best job possible can be done. * “When we’ve had fund raisers, they (the community) really pitch in and helps. The money we raise has all gone back into upgrading the fire department, like the ARS unit.” When the department decided to purchase the unit several years ago, the firemen did some preliminary checking into applying for state funds. However, with bureaucratic red tape facing them from all directions, the fire department decided to raise the money themselves. “The ARS unit cost over SIO,OOO. We raised it in less than a year. For a town this size, we’ve done pretty good. When Amsden is neither at work or at the fire station, he spends time at home with his wife, Kay, and five-year-old son, Adam. Although Amsden is forced to work many strange hours, Kay continues to be very understanding, realizing that her husband performs a vital service to the community.

every smallest part. She expresses openly thoughts on anger, grief, hope, friendship, aging, guilt; also touches upon topics like awareness, saving things, people watching, jealousy, enthusiasm, imagination and so on. The book is a gem in discovering the real Betty White, the woman and loved Celebrity. Leona Buhrt, vice president, called the meeting to order and conducted the club’s business in the absence of Arlene Sloan, president. Club collect preceded the roll

Meals for older Americans

Meals for Older Americans are served each day at the following locations: The Scout Cabin, Syracuse; the Pierceton Community Building; Mentone Community Room in the fire station; the Retired Tigers Center, 320 W. Main, Warsaw. and the Church of the Brethren, North Webster. Meals for Older Americans is for persons 60 years or older and is a chance to meet new friends and enjoy hot, nutritional meals. The sites are opened several Open house planned by Alanon group The week of February 21 is Alcoholic Awareness week and the Wawasee Alanon Family Group will be observing the occasion with an open house on Wednesday, Feb. 24. The event will begin at 7:30 p.m., and will be in St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church, Syracuse. A 30-minute film “It can’t happen to me,” will be shown. Also group members will be giving short mini-leads, where they will talk about how they became in-® volved and what the group has done for them. ' The public is invited to attend.

* Happy 18th Birthday Brian Rensberger ** ‘ ‘ jBL' . ‘ Im*] - ' WH faL “ Tu«.i wwast"A Hug For You Cause I Love You"

call to which 10 members responded. Minutes were read by acting secretary Margaret Freeman. Committee reports were given. A note from Rosalyn Jones, Syracuse librarian, was read, expressing appreciation for books recently donated to the library in memory of Katie Emerick. The meeting was in the home of Alice Stafanski. Mary Lib Fosbrink assisted the hostess in serving refreshments. The March 9 meeting will be in the home of Alice Clark. Priscilla Rhode will be co-hostess.

hours each day including noon for programs. Meals for Older Americans is not associated with welfare but is for the promotion for better health for the older population. Donations are accepted for the meals. The site directors request all persons planning on attending the meals to make reservations by 1 p.m. the day prior to attending. Phone 457-2631 for Syracuse transportation and reservations. February 18-24 THURSDAY — Apple juice, Swedish meatballs, buttered sweet potatoes, California blend vegetables, cracked wheat bread w/margarine, doughnut, milk, tea, and coffee FRIDAY — Orange-grapefruit juice, sliced roast turkey, bread dressing and gravy, three bean salad, soft dinner roll w/margarine, plums milk, tea, and coffee MONDAY — Orange juice, spaghetti w/meat sauce, layered salad, Italian bread w/margarine, mixed fruit, milk, tea, and coffee TUESDAY — Peach nectar, Swiss steak in gravy, mashed potatoes, steamed spinach w/bacon garnish, pumpernickel bread w/margarine, butterscotch pudding, milk, tea, and coffee WEDNESDAY — Cranberry juice cocktail, beef barbecue on bun, baked beans, creamy coleslaw, applesauce, milk, tea, and coffee Mobile Meals qrivers Volunteer drivers for Syracuse Mobile Meals have been scheduled for the week of February 22-26. They are as follows: , .February 22-26 - MONDAY - Donna Wolfe TUESDAY — Mary Jane and Ken Bow top WEDNESDAY - Jan Baumgartner THURSDAY—John and Jenny Oswald * ' FRIDAY — Gran and Ginny Godley S • • . ’f T-

CALENDAR Week.Of February 17 To February 24 WEDNESDAY Syracuse PTO & w 12 noon, in Syracuse Schools LRC '' Syracuse Lions Club 6:30 p.m., in the Beacon Teen AA Under 20 Group 7 p.m., in St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church, Syracuse Syracuse PTO 7 p.m., in Syracuse Schools LRC Twilighters Bunco Club 7:30p.m. \_z Lutheran Church Women 7:30 p.m., in Syracuse Grace Lutheran Church Psi lota XI 7:30 p.m. Syracuse Jaycees 7:30 p.m., in Lakeland Eagles Alanon 7:30 p.m., in Saint Andrew’s United Methodist Church, Syracuse Alcoholics Anonymous Wawasee Group 7:30 p.m., in Episcopal Retreat House, South Shore Drive, Lake Wawasee, Syracuse, closed meeting THURSDAY Ebenezer Ladies Aid xC-Q 7 p.m. yy-' Wawasee Community Toughlove ’ 7 p.m., in Lakeland Youth Center, Syracuse. Parent support group for parents troubled by their teenagers behavior. North Webster Lady Lions 7 p.m., in North Webster United Methodist Church Milford Volunteer Firemen 7 p.m., in Milford Fire Station North Webster American Legion Auxiliary 8 p.m., in the Legion Hall FRIDAY Milford Kiwanis 6:45 a.m., in Milford Community Building Alcoholics Anonymous, Carl Sheperd Memorial Group 7:30 p.m., in Episcopal Retreat House, South Shore Dr., Lake Wawasee, Syracuse, open meeting Heart of Lakes Squares 8-10:30 p.m., in Syracuse Elementary SATURDAY Wawasee Kiwanis 7 a.m., in Gropp’s, Syracuse Turkey Creek Senior Citizens 12 noon, Scout Cabin, contact Mrs. Claude Boland SUNDAY Adult Singles V 9:30-10:30 a.m., in Mike’s Soda Shop, North Webster. Sponsored by North Webster Church of God and Mike Kern Alcoholics Anonymous Fireball Group 10 a.m., in North Webster Fire Station, open meeting Alateen 8 p.m., North Webster United Methodist Church Alcoholics Anonymous Sunday Night Recovery Group 8 p.m., in North Webster United Methodist Church, closed meeting Alanon Sunday Night Group 8 p.m., in North Webster United Methodist Church, closed meeting MONDAY Lakeland Kiwanis 6:45 a.m., in North Webster Church of God meeting room FOE Men’s Meeting Aerie 3760 7 p.m., in Lakeland Eagles, 404 Sycamore St., Syracuse Alanon Milford Family Group 7:30 p.m., in Milford United Methodist Church Alcoholics Anonymous Milford Group 7:30 p.m., in United Methodist Church, Milford, closed meeting Alcoholics Anonymous North Webster Group 7:30 p.m., in North Webster United Methodist Church Columbian Reading 7:30 p.m. TUESDAY 7 Alanon Just for Today 9:30 a.m., in St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church Syracuse-Wawasee Rotary 12 noon, in the Beacon Restaurant Adult Children of Alcoholics 6:30 p.m., in North Webster United Methodist Church Wawasee American Legion Auxiliary 7:30p.m., in the Legion Hall WEDNESDAY North Webster Park Board 7 p.m., in the town’hall/fire station Syracuse Fire Department Regular Meeting 1 7 p.m., in the fire station Eagles Auxiliary Meeting Aerie 3760 7 p.m., in Lakeland Eagles, 404 Sycamore St., Syracuse Teen AA Under 20 Group 7 p.m., in St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church, Syracuse Alanon 7:30 p.m., in Saint Andrew’s United Methodist Church, Syracuse Alcoholics Anonymous Wawasee Group 7:30 p.m., in Episcopal Retreat House, South Shore Drive, Lake Wawasee, Syracuse

LOUISA'S LETTER g==g gpq * —i i

Dear Louisa: I am twenty-eight years of age and have a good job. I have some good friends and enjoy life. Now my problem is this. There are two men I have been dating for quite a while and both of them would like to marry me, but I don’t love either one. I like them both very much and like to go places with them, but I certainly don’t love either one of them. My mother thinks I am passing up a good chance for a happy home and says I am not as young as I once was, etc. But do you think it’s a good idea to marry for a home and children when you don’t love the man and are satisfied with things as they are? Secretary —Vt.

Answer z No, I don’t think it would he wise in your case, to marry eithei of these men. Time was, when there was no other career open to women, that they grabbed almost anything that came along when they reached their late twenties. Girls can make their own money and live by themselves and a great many of them prefer to do this rath®- than marry someone they are not in love with. So if I were you I would not get panicky over my single state and possibly live to regret it later on if someone should come into my life that I loved. That would be a far worse tragedy than remaining single. Louisa